The Reedy River above Greenville’s downtown faced a toxic environmental legacy of pollutants from textile and other manufacturing, as well as a historical river straightening project that created flash flooding. The area was also the site of a long-unfulfilled promise — that Rev. Elias Brown Holloway secured a commitment from the city in the 1930s for a park development to serve the Black residents, which did not happen.  

The city ultimately fulfilled that pledge many decades later. Development of the park began by carefully gathering input from surrounding neighborhoods, businesses and stakeholder groups on the park’s development. A $25 million project moved the city’s public works campus off the site, and the city built an innovative drainage upgrade for the park’s wetlands that percolates stormwater through natural channels before it enters the river, mitigating flash floods. It also replaced invasive plants with native species. 

The 60-acre Unity Park ultimately opened in 2022. It offers a connection to the 23-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, a boardwalk, pedestrian bridges across the river, playgrounds, a splash pad, a 10,000 square-foot welcome center and two expansive green spaces, among other features. Its opening reduced the pressure Greenville’s other parks faced from the area’s ongoing growth. Entrepreneurs have opened businesses, including a food and beverage hall, in existing warehouses along the park.  

Funding sources included hospitality and stormwater bonds, as well as grants and donations from public and private entities. Unity Park’s next phase will restore a historic baseball field and build the Honor Tower, celebrating first responders and offering views of Greenville’s skyline and the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

Contact Tara Eaker at teaker@greenvillesc.gov or 864.467.6667.